This week is the first in a series of episodes about foods, ingredients, different things that I couldn’t do without a series I’m calling: Smy Fundamentals. I will look at things that I use everyday, things I swear by, things that I’m constantly suggesting to people or…things that I share with people when they ask me, “what’s your secret for x, y or z?” First up!…is something I am so particular about, it’s the first thing I think about when I open my eyes and I have been drinking it for years, decades even!…this episode is all about….green tea! From some of the health benefits, history, Yamamotoyama and shortages. A look at chanoyu tea ceremonies, origins and the folklore of Shennong. Plus some ceramics and Japanese block prints by Nishimura Shigenaga, Torii Kiyohiro, Suzuki Harunobu and Utagawa Kuniyoshi plus a 21st century depiction of a tea ceremony by Emiko Aida.